Omni Hotels has created a new “Live Like a Local” Web site, which provides insider tips and recommends local lesser-known hot spots that you might not find in a guidebook. The social networking site invites Omni hotel concierges and visitors to upload pictures, post recommendations and highlight the best places to visit in their hometown.

Visitors can search for sightseeing destinations by city and then narrow the results by category, such as arts and culture, dining, travel tips and nightlife. You can also view entries by “top rated” to see the most popular postings. The Web site is simple and useful if you are looking for information and recommendations for smaller cities. When you look up New York, you’ll find over 60 entries for dining with no option to search by cuisine, making it difficult to find a particular type of restaurant.

Each visitor who posts a suggestion between now and Aug. 31, 2008 will be entered to win an Omni Hotel weekend getaway. Enter information about your favorite local hangout at http://www.livelikealocal.omnihotels.com for a chance to win one of nine gift certificates for a two-night Omni stay at any Omni Hotel in the United States.